2021 Merlot

Merlot

Washington/Columbia Valley

$26.00 / 750 mL Bottle

Alcohol %

Boasting smooth, black cherry flavor with a hint of oak, this wine pairs best with garlic, basil, oregano, and rosemary in bold-flavored Italian dishes such as lasagna, and bolognese. It also pairs well with wild game, especially elk.

Notes

In the Vineyard
The disastrous freeze in October 2020 left us without Merlot from our estate vineyard nor was there any Merlot available within Colorado. For the first time in 30 years of grape growing and winemaking we sourced grapes from out of state. Searching for the climate most similar to ours led us to eastern Washington. The grapes arrived refrigerated on September 10. Two thirds were crushed and one third remained whole berry.

Brix: 25
pH:4.01
Titratable Acidity: 3.7g/l
In the Cellar
Following some acidity adjustments, the lots are inoculated with two separate yeast strains, one to extract additional color and one enhance the back cherry flavor component. As the caps form, punchdowns are done 4 times daily. The malo-lactic fermentation is encouraged and upon completion the wine is barreled down in older French and American oak. Following 29 months of barrel aging the wine is blended filtered and bottled for release in March of 2024.

At Bottling:

Brix: 0.04
pH:3.80
Titratable Acidity: 6.0g/l

Maker Name

Brent Helleckson

In 1997, after 9 years as hobby winemakers, Brent & Karen Helleckson left their Boulder, CO jobs in aerospace engineering & marketing to begin the realization of their dream, through a dedication to improve a piece of land that would transform their relationship, their family & friends, their North Fork Valley community - along with their winery guests. After 26 years, their dream continues on a beautiful estate where their adult children Stephanie (28) and Jacob (25) continue to be involved, where beautifully hand-crafted stone structures nestle within the vines and mountain views, where the winery & vineyard provide a respite to over 6000 guests a year through tastings, events and vineyard stays. The couple continues to search for new ways to provide peace and tranquility through experiences and the enjoyment of quality hand-crafted wines, all wrapped in a welcoming Colorado hospitality.

Stone Cottage Cellars

41716 Reds Rd

Paonia, CO 81428-8310

https://www.stonecottagecellars.com/

Explore Colorado Wines!

2021 Merlot

Notes

Maker Name

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